Alas
once you
put on
an inner tube
(xs, small, medium, large, XL, XXL, XXXL)
it’s hard as
to get it off
suctioned there
at the waistline
you carry it
round
as if you were in
your first three trimesters
what a sobering thought
(especially if you’re a guy)
so, there you are
hopping around
from one foot to the other
wriggling and jiggling
pushing and pulling
trying your best
to pry it off
wondering when
or if
it’ll ever deflate
so you can finally
swim free
and clear
of the plastic
lap for lap
flip over on your back
and float
then dripping wet
emerge from the waves
like a sculpture
like a Greek goddess
that has shed her toga
and doesn’t mind being painted
in the nude
TL